BS 6164: "Safety in Tunneling in the Construction Industry" is a crucial British Standard that outlines the requirements for safe tunneling operations. It covers everything from ground investigation and ventilation to emergency procedures and fire safety. Originally published in 1979, the standard has been revised multiple times, with the current version being BS 6164:2019.
Engineers, project managers, health & safety officers, and contractors frequently search for "BS 6164 safety in tunneling pdf free download" because they need immediate access to compliance guidelines. This article explains what the standard contains, why it matters, and—most importantly—how you can legally obtain it for free or at low cost.
Many “free” PDFs are actually BS 6164:2011, which is withdrawn. Using a superseded standard could mean missing critical updates on:
£264 (approx.) is steep for one person, but a team of ten pays £26.40 each. Buy one official PDF via the BSI Shop, save it to a secure company drive, and restrict access to employees. bs 6164 safety in tunneling pdf free download
Defines tunneling work, including enlargement, lining, and shaft sinking. Key terms: “principal contractor,” “competent person,” “tunnel face.”
Why do thousands search for "bs 6164 safety in tunneling pdf free download" each month?
However, the reality is that BSI operates on a sales model to fund development of new standards. The 2019 version is not public domain. BS 6164: "Safety in Tunneling in the Construction
If you absolutely cannot afford the standard, you can rely on publicly available guidance that aligns with BS 6164:
| Document | Source | Cost | |----------|--------|------| | HSE – “Tunneling: Health and Safety” (L118) | Health & Safety Executive (UK) | Free PDF | | ITA Report No. 10 – “Guidelines for Good Practice” | International Tunneling Association | Free | | NFPA 502 – Standard for Road Tunnels | NFPA (USA) – Read online free | Free view | | EU Directive 92/57/EEC (Temporary construction sites) | EUR-Lex | Free |
These do not replace compliance with BS 6164 if a contract specifies it, but they offer equivalent best practices for many tunneling operations. Many “free” PDFs are actually BS 6164:2011, which
Requires a tunnel safety plan, risk register, and coordination between designers, contractors, and clients. Mandates a “tunneling safety officer” on all projects.
Rules for rail-mounted locomotives, rubber-tyred vehicles, and conveyor systems. Includes braking, signaling, and driver training.